Uber Forced to Discontinue Service In Midland

Why is it we can't have nice things? That's what Midland residents are asking after Uber pulled up stakes and announced it would no longer offer its services in Midland due to 'burdensome' regulations imposed by the Midland City Council.

In a statement Uber said:

'Since our launch in August of 2015, we have enjoyed providing the Midland community with access to safe and reliable transportation options. We've provided an alternative to drinking and driving, made getting to and from the airport smoother and easier, and broadened access to all areas of Midland. Unfortunately, as a result of new vehicle-for-hire regulations passed by the Midland City Council, it is with much disappointment that we must announce our intent to cease all operations in Midland effective today, February 1. These new regulations make it difficult for us to provide you the level of service that you have come to know and expect.

Cities across the U.S. have embraced Uber’s innovative model – including College Station, San Marcos, and Beaumont – in the past few months, but a very small handful of cities have decided to impose burdensome regulations on this new economic engine. We know from experience in other markets that these rules have a devastating impact on our ability to provide the experience that riders and drivers have come to love.

We hope the City Council will reconsider their decision so we can once again serve the Midland community.

Although we will be ending our operations in Midland, we will continue to operate in the neighboring city of Odessa. You will still be able to utilize our service in Odessa and be dropped off in Midland but requesting a ride in Midland, including at the airport, will not be possible.

Thank you for your continued support. It has been a pleasure servicing you in Midland.' - Uber

In a NewsWest 9 story from last September, it was clear that local taxi companies were unhappy that Uber had come to the area and were going to put pressure on the Midland City Council. In the story, Midland City Councilman J. Ross Lacy said,'We're going to work on both sides and make sure it's as level as we possibly can make it from a government standpoint and then we're going to let the free market system go into place.'

But instead of loosening regulations on taxi drivers to make them more competitive, they established new tougher regulations that forced Uber to stop operations in Midland. Not much of a 'free market system' solution was it?